One thing that keeps some people from backpacking and camping is the fear of spending the night in the wilderness. And one thing that helps tamper that fear is having a way to adequately light up camp at night. The core of this fear is feeling safe. And this isn’t just so we can see if there are any critters in camp, but also to see where we’re walking, even if only for a short distance.
Unless we’re in an established camp ground with outlets, we will need some portable means of brighten up our camp and our path at night.
Here are a few ideas and tips to bring safety and peace of mind to our adventures after the sun sets.
1. The Headlamp: Your Best Friend
A good headlamp is the most important piece of lighting gear you can own. It's hands-free, which means you can set up your tent, cook a meal, find something in your pack, or walking to that midnight call of nature.
- Bring Extra Batteries or a Battery Bank: This is a simple but vital rule. The small amount of weight is well worth the security of knowing you won’t be left in the dark.
- The Right Brightness: You don't need a blinding spotlight. Most modern headlamps have multiple settings. The low setting or the red lamp setting is often all you need for basic tasks around camp and is much more polite to your fellow campers’ eyes.
2. The Lantern: Creating a Warm Glow
While a headlamp is for task lighting, a lantern is for ambiance. It creates a warm, soft glow that transforms a campsite into a welcoming home.
- LED Lanterns: These are lightweight, safe, and often run for days on a single set of batteries or charge. They provide a nice area of light for group meals or card games in the evening. Look for a small, compact one that won't add too much bulk to your pack.
- DIY Lantern: A simple and effective trick is to take your headlamp and strap it around a translucent water bottle. The light will disperse and create a soft, even glow that’s perfect for lighting up your tent or a small area of your campsite.
3. Smart Placement and Strategy
It's not just about what you use, but how you use it.
- Lighting the Path: Think about the key areas of your campsite. Place a light near the entrance of your tent and another by your cooking area or gear. This prevents stumbling and makes it easy to find your way around. Or simply strap your headlamp around your neck so it’s ready whenever you need it.
- Mind Your Eyes: Avoid pointing a bright light directly at your face or others. It takes a long time for your eyes to readjust to the darkness, and it’s a bit of an unspoken trail courtesy to be mindful of this. The red lamp option is also a great choice to help prevent temporary blindness.
- The Power of the Campfire: If you're in a designated area and it's safe to do so, a campfire is the ultimate form of lighting. It provides warmth and a welcoming centerpiece for sharing stories and unwinding after a long day. Just be sure to always check local fire restrictions first and always follow fire safety practices.
The sun will always set, but being prepared means that's not the end of the day; it's just the beginning of a different kind of beauty. By using these simple lighting strategies, you can ensure that your evenings on the trail are filled with peace, comfort, and the quiet satisfaction of being fully present in the moment.